Bike Patagonia

Bike_Patagonia_21.pdf

Day 1 Santiago - Temuco-Pucon

Depart Auckland for Santiago with LAN Airlines .Cross the dateline and gain a day , arriving midday.
Afternoon departure on LAN Airlines to Temuco. On arrival transfer to our comfortable hosteria in Pucon,a small city located right next to Lake Villarrica and at the foot of the spectacular Mt Villarrica and in the vicinity of three parks and a large ski resort.

Day 2 Pucon (B,L)

We'll cycle from our hotel to Lake Caburgua and then towards Pucon's famous Hot Springs. The ride today is a combination of rolling hills with several short climbs at the second half of the road. Throughout today's ride our guide will help us identify several species of birds and trees as we cycle next to beautiful farms and enjoy views of the Villarrica volcano. With a little good luck, we will see smoke coming out of this active volcano.

After cycling the rolling and sometimes hilly road to the hot springs, we will enjoy lunch and then a soothing soak in a hot mineral bath. Later we'll take a short ride in the vans back to our hotel in Pucón
52km

Day 3 Chile's 7 Lakes Route (B,L,D)

Departing from Pucón, we drive 8 kms by minibus to Palguín Bajo, where we start biking .The road leads us by the Palguín valley through the National Park Villarrica, with views of scenic waterfalls formed by basaltic rock, as we will pass several majestic snow-capped volcanoes such as Quetrupillan and Rucapillan. The vegetation changes from raulí (Nothofagus alpina) and hualle (Nothofagus oblicua) forests to araucarias as we ascend to Chinay, the higher point of the day at 1.250 m above sea level. From Chinay we'll experience an exciting descent through the forest; jumping and dodging natural obstacles like roots and mud puddles. If this incites too much exertion, there is an option to visit the Geometricas Hot Springs on the way down. While riding downhill we have a wonderful view of Calafquén Lake, which is situated on the eastern border of Coñaripe, a town that was totally destroyed by the 1964 eruption of the Villarrica volcano (Rucapillan). The minibus will be waiting for us in Coñaripe to take us alongside the lakes Calafquén and Panguipulli to finally get to the National Reserve Mocho-Choshuenco . We'll stay at Huilo – Huilo, a private ecological initiative located next to the reserve.
48km

Day 4 Huilo Huilo (B,L,D)

The area of Hulio Huilo was shaped by a huge  volcano,today we will ride on the fotthills of this giant with incredible views of the Andes, the Lanin volcano and teh lake Neltume. The tough climb that we have to conquer for enjoying this view is going to followed by scenic and fun downhill towards the Huilo  Huilo waterfalls which gives the name of this pristine area  

35km

Day 5 Huilo Huilo -Puyehue  (B,L,D)

Today an amazing  single track is waiting  for us. Starting right next from our hotel we will climb a few kms and we'll find ourselves in the shoulders of the Casablanca Volcano where we can enjoy the immensity of the Andes and we'll look  for that gem of a trail. Find your own perfect  lin on the pyroclastic sand before enetering to one of the greenest and fun trails of the tour

35km

Day 6 Puyehue  -Puerto Varas (B,L)

Start riding from the hotel, alongside Lake Llanquihue, where a unique landscape is waiting for us - the Osorno Volcano with its perfect cone. The side of the Volcano reaches the shore of the lake and we'll pass through the middle of this astounding landscape. Continue to Petrohue, attacking 50km in one of the most beautiful routes of the tour, passing through quaint little villages with a strong German heritage
Upon completing the ride we'll head back with the vans to the charming german-style city of Puerto Varas

Day 7 Puerto Varas (B)

A free day , we can either bike around Puerto Varas and to the markets in Puerto Montt or its possible to do a day trip across to the picturesque island of Chiloe

Day 8 Puerto Varas -Coihaique (B,D)

Transfer to Puerto Montt airport for a LAN flight to Balmaceda .
Transfer to Coihaique
Coihaique is the biggest city in the region and the commercial center for this part of Patagonia. We will spend the night in the town and you will have the opportunity to explore and enjoy "city" life for the last time in many days

Day 9 Coihaique - Villa Cerro Castillo (B,L,D)

We will ride 40 km on paved road towards El Blanco. The town was a post for travelers and populated by farmers. There are just 500 people that live in the town today. In the afternoon we will continue to Villa Cerro Castillo. You will pass by the Reserva Villa Cerro Castillo and admire the interesting landscapes and peaks
64km

Day 10 Villa Cerro Castillo - Puerto Tranquilo (B,L,D)

An early start today driving 50km and then start the ride
The ride is on gravel and we will continue peddling past beautiful lakes, rivers, and through valleys until we finally reach Puerto Tranquilo
73km

Day 11 Puerto Tranquilo - Puerto Bertrand (B,L,D)

Tranquilo- this small port town is home to Lake General Carrera, the largest lake in Chile.
Then head towards to Puerto Bertrand, a place where the famous and amazing Baker River starts. Along the route we will pass three lakes, during the summer months the lakes will rise and flood a lot of the area´s farmlands. We will ride 25-35 km on gravel roads and cozy cabins will be awaiting us in the evening
48-58km

Day 12 Puerto Bertrand - Cochrane (B,L,D)

we will begin cycling along Baker River. You will be able to admire the impressive rapids along the way. We will ride on gravel road, and cycle over a couple of demanding stretches as we head towards the next  town. We will stay in a cozy hostel in Cochrane. This is the last town we will stop at with internet and telephone connection. After today we will be entering some of the most untouched places in Patagonia. Outside of Cochrane you can find San Lorenzo Mount, this is one of the highest peaks in the region (12,158 ft) and on a clear day you can see it in the distance. We will spend the night in Cochrane before delving further into Patagonia
62km

Day 13 Cochrane - Caleta Tortel (B,L,D)

Our destination today is Caleta Tortel. You will begin cycling after breakfast and will be traveling approximately 128 kilometers today in total. You will enjoy beautiful views along your 60-kilometer ride on gravel roads to Los Nadis. The rest of the trip will be a mixture of traveling by bike and by auto. Caleta Tortel is an incredible town built on steep stone cliffs and until 2003 was only accessible by water. Today the town is connected via boardwalks and when you arrive you will have to get a boat- taxi or walk along the boardwalks for about 30 minutes until reaching our final destination in a cozy hostel.
60km

Day 14 Caleta Tortel (B,L,D)

During our rest day we will have the opportunity to visit Jorge Montt Glacier. We will enjoy a day trip by boat to see the northern portion of the Southern Ice Fields, which is the third largest fresh water reserve in the world. In the evening we will return back to Caleta Tortel

Day 15 Caleta Tortel - Villa O'higgins (B,L,D)

We will need to start out early today because the journey today is 155km on gravel roads and water. We will begin the day by a transfer to Puerto Yungay where we will board a boat. This ferry will save us some distance peddling and also make the last leg of our adventure on the Carretera Austral more interesting! We will head towards Villa O'Higgins after the ferry crossing docks in Rio Bravo and have 92 km to go on gravel roads. Finally we will arrive in Villa O'Higgins and prepare for the lake crossing the following day.
Biking distance to be finalised as part of journey will be done by bus

Day 16 Villa O'higgins - Candelario Mansilla (B,L,D)

Today we will begin our voyage across Lake O'Higgins and Lake San Martin. First we will have breakfast and be prepared to cross the ferry. We will have to ride 15 minutes down a gravel road and then board a ferry that will take us two and a half hours across Lake O'Higgins to Candelario Mansilla, where we will stop and enjoy the life of this remote Estancia for the evening.
5-10km

Day 17 Candelario Mansilla - el Chalten (B,L)

We will begin the day hiking/cycling 4-6 hours on a trail that isn´t maintained very well; the distance is only 22 km. It will be difficult, but will add an aspect of true adventure and wilderness to your ride. Finally you will reach Lago Del Desierto and will board another boat to cross the lake. A transfer will meet you and as you come into El Chalten you will notice the amazing peaks that made this area famous. It is a short 40km ride to El Chalten

Day 18 El Chalten (B)

Day to explore. Long or short walk options amidst the stunning scenery of Fitzroy National Park are possible or relax in the peace and tranquillity of this lovely mountain town

Day 19 El Chalten - el Calafate (B)

 Drive to the other side of Lago Argentino to Calafate , time to explore the town this afternoon

Day 20 Perito Moreno Glacier (B)

Full day tour to this amazing feat of nature – surely one of the natural wonders of the world !!!
THIS IS AWESOME !! The Moreno Glacier is one of the earth's few advancing glaciers. This 60-80 metre high, 4km long river of ice periodically dams the Brazo Rico of Lago Argentino. Towers of ice fall and break into icebergs !

Day 21 Calafate – Torres del Paine National Park (B,L,D)
Today we cross by bus from Calafate Argentina and reenter Chile and enter the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park
You have heard about it – now see for yourself –
Superb views of the famous Andean cordillera and lakes. You will be surprised at the wildlife in this area, Andean condors, flamingos, guanacos (llama family) wandering across the road, foxes, and many Canadian geese.
Stay 5 nights in the park and enjoy the peacefulness and scenery. Our accommodation is in the eco sustainable Eco Camp's Domes. Yet another stunning day

Day 22 Torres del Paine (B,L,D)

Our day starts early, with an energetic breakfast, then we will begin our drive to Estancia Lazo a typical family ranch from Patagonia, its here where we began our ride along the edge of Lago Sarmiento and then entering a spectacular single track to reach Laguna verde, our journey continues along this spectacular trail until a technical downhill Trail with an amazing view of the lakes and rivers.After this downhill ride, our vans will be waiting us with fruits, isotonic drinks, dry fruits and some local beer to share our first day experience in the National Park
Return to Ecocamp
44km

Day 23 Torres del Paine (B,L,D)

This day our goal is the impressive view of Torres del Paine from
Laguna Azul we start with a warming pedalling, then we enter the
trails that lead us to visit spectacular places like the West side of Lago Sarmiento, trails near the Nordenskjold lake and later into the incredible Valley of guanacos, where we will find ourselves with hundreds of these beautiful animals.Back in Ecocamp

Day 24 Torres del Paine (B,L,D)

After another good breakfast we prepare for this big day where we visit the spectacular Rio de las Chinas Valley we will ride our bicycles by an old off-road path, we will continue towards the hidden Valley, passing through Laguna Cebolla and started to go towards Cañadon Macho a nice and fast trails to finish our day with a lot od adrenalin.
We ended up sharing our classic snack at the end of the trail.
We drive back to Ecocamp for the relaxing time and for a nice dinner.

Day 25 Torres del Paine (B,L,D)

Rise very early to appreciate the fantastic Sunrise and then we go to start our last day ride, this ride has an special taste, we will ride surrounding Laguna Azul, some nice forest, and open trails, most of the time by single tracks, our intense ride will have ass a reward the spectacular view of the Dickson glacier.
Back in Ecocamp a nice Cordero al Palo will be waiting for us...
A special dinner for an epic ride.

Day 26 Torres del Paine - Punta Arenas -Santiago (B)

Today take a bus through this rugged, mountainous area, geographically remote from the rest of the country. Through the wilderness this four-hour bus ride through magnificent scenery to
Punta Arenas, situated on the Magellan Strait.
This is the liveliest and most interesting city in this far corner of the world, featuring many mansions and other imposing buildings dating back to the wool boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Transfer to the airport for your LAN Airline late afternoon flight to Santiago

Dates & Prices:

Bike Patagonia 26 Days
Departure:      11Nov 2022 

                       17 Feb 2023

                       10 Nov 2023

Price per person NZ$

NZ$15500

Cost is subject to currency fluctuations & based on a minimum of 6 people travelling – there are no hidden costs.

2023 costs subject to change 

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